SLECEWCWCRU - Creative Writing Camp 2024 - Location: Rice University
We live in a creative world where ideas, collaboration, and adaptability are a must–and writing is essential. So how do we prepare our children for their future? How do we ensure that they become thoughtful leaders for change, passionate learners, and curious thinkers we need to improve our world? Through Creative Writing Camp, young people discover the power within themselves – to create, innovate, and connect with others.
Creative Writing Camp works because it’s where writing is an exploration. It’s where one day your child will create their own map to a planet they’ve just discovered, and the next day they’re writing the ending to a 3-act play with a group of friends. It’s where they’ll publish their first poem. It’s where they’ll begin to see what they can become. Whether they’re not sure how to get started or they already write a million pages a day, they’ll feel at home writing here. This is where the spark of invention begins.
The Only Place Where Children Learn from Talented Educators & Writers
Many have Master’s and PhDs in writing and education. Our instructors are experts at this. And they’re ready to help your child shine.
How We Measure Up
For 20 years, Dr. Carl Scott of the University of St. Thomas has evaluated the success of the program and found students improved in writing skills, creativity and self-confidence.
How Creativity Leads to Success
According to “Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us about Raising Successful Children” (Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff), what children most need for 21st-century learning, listing the 6Cs: collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence.
Creative Writing Camp is where 21st-century learning happens.
Session Details
The 2024 Creative Writing Camp will be held during the months of June and July in a face-to-face format along with one session delivered virtually.
June 10-14, Rice University, Entering 6th-12th grade
June 24-28, Rice University, Entering 6th-12th grade
July 15-19, Rice University, Entering 6th-12th grade
Just Write It
Our signature camp experience for incoming K – 12th grade students, in-person and online
Jump into the magic of creative writing! This course offers an array of fun, interactive writing activities and customized exercises designed to help students develop their unique voices, broaden their imaginations, and boost their confidence as writers. With the help of professional writers and teachers, students will explore a range of poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction as they use their writing to investigate their worlds and examine issues that are important to them. During the week, students will peer review each other’s work, and receive feedback from their instructors. Students will share their creations and take home a portfolio of their collected work.
THEMATIC COURSES FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS
Magical Worlds (6th/7th)
Do you enjoy folklore, stories with magical settings, characters with superhuman abilities? As far back as ancient times, people have lived by the phrase, “Life is what you make it so make the best of it.” In this playful course you will do just that—build your own world! Guided by your writing coaches you will learn the basics of worldbuilding and create, explore and develop your own original world. You will delve into narrative genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and superhero fiction as you explore writings with a fantastical edge. You will leave with the tools needed to help you create new worlds in a variety of genres.
Nature: A Writing Inspiration (6th/7th)
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts…. Rachel Carson
A wooded pass covered in freshly fallen leaves, or perhaps a thunderstorm rolling in through the evening sky. Nature has a way of capturing the eye, and inspiring those who gaze upon its natural beauty. Through this course students will have a chance to experience writing that centers nature as its inspiration. By using outside writing time as well as prompts and mentor text that show how other artists around the world have crafted writing for and inspired by the great outdoors, your young writer will be able to capture the beauty from their eyes while enjoying nature.
Focus on Fiction: Characters and Conflict (8th/9th)
Dive deep into the heart of storytelling! This course is an exploration of the elements that breathe life into compelling narratives. Uncover the secrets of creating multi-dimensional characters with depth and authenticity, while also delving into the art of crafting engaging conflicts that drive your plot forward. Through a combination of insightful discussions, writing exercises, and constructive feedback, you will hone your skills in character development and conflict resolution—the tools you need to captivate readers and weave unforgettable tales!
Uncanny and Unreal: Adventures in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing (8th/9th)
Embark on a captivating journey into the extraordinary realms of science fiction and fantasy. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fantasy writer, discover the secrets of crafting immersive worlds, creating compelling characters, and mastering intricate plots in speculative fiction with other fantasy fanatics. From the art of genre blending to developing your unique voice, this course offers a dynamic blend of writing exercises, workshops, and collaborative discussions, providing the tools and inspiration to bring your wildest imaginings to life on the page. Join us and unleash your creativity in the fantastical landscapes of the uncanny and unreal.
The Art of the Essay (10th/12th)
The history of the essay finds its origins in the core Renaissance ideal of “rebirth.” This course will allow you to give “new life” to the art of essay writing by asking you to examine your personal story and connect it to a broader world of concepts and ideas. We’ll analyze this important and passionate literary form that will take your writing beyond familiar boundaries. We’ll experiment with fun, contemporary non-fiction forms like flash non-fiction, recipe writing, humor, and even lampoon to expand and sharpen your essay writing skills. Through the writer workshop model of peer review, you will work with your fellow writers to hone techniques and approaches, and you will leave with a portfolio of several completed essays.
Before You Register
More Information
Grade Selection
Please register students for the grade they will enter the upcoming school year, fall 2024.
Sibling Discount
The sibling discount will be 5% and will be applied to two or more children at the final step of registration. You will not see this discount until checkout.
T-Shirts
Each in-person camp registration comes with one free t-shirt. You will be asked for your child’s t-shirt size when entering your child’s registration information.
Full Classes
If your preferred class is full, please check back periodically to see if a space has become available. There is no waiting list and spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Questions
If you encounter technical problems during registration, please call our technical support help line at 713-348-6112 (Monday-Thursday, 8 am – 8 pm and Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm). For general questions about camp, please call 713-348-5533 or email slc@rice.edu.
Thank you for registering your child/teen for Creating Writing Camp. We look forward to meeting them this summer! As we get closer to the start of camp, you will receive an informational email with detailed information.
Refund Policy
A 10 percent processing fee will be subtracted from all refunds, due to the high demand for courses registrations are considered final 30 days before classes start. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a camp. Refund requests before the deadline must be made in writing to slc@rice.edu. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit on your statement for up to four to six weeks. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take four to six weeks to be processed and mailed out. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.
If multiple children are registered and have received the sibling discount, and later one or more registrations are canceled so that only one child remains registered, the remaining child's registration will be adjusted to the full price, and a refund for the appropriate amount will be issued.
Health and Safety Considerations
Creative Writing Camp follows all health and safety practices currently in place at our host campuses. If a child/teen is not feeling well, please stay home. Note: Creative Writing Camp will not issue reimbursements for any health-related absences.